11 Jul 2024
G7 agree to strengthen open and safe international science cooperation
On 11 July, the G7 Science and Technology Ministers adopted a declaration which underlines the pivotal role of science, technology, innovation, and higher education in contributing to a sustainable future, aligned with the shared values of democracy, respect for international law, and the promotion of human rights, fairness and freedom. In their meeting held in Bologna and Forlì, Italy, from 9 to 11 July 2024 ministers of G7 countries (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States) and Commissioner Iliana Ivanova, acknowledged a strong commitment to support Ukraine’s research and innovation ecosystem, new ways of cooperating to ensure research security and integrity, the need for a coherent approach for responsible AI in science, and the reinforcement of large research infrastructures.
The G7 Ministers highlighted the need to deliver coordinated and concrete support for Ukraine’s research and innovation ecosystem by sharing expertise, best practices, and solutions on leveraging science, technology, and innovation for sustainable reconstruction. Italy, as current G7 chair, offered to include science, technology and innovation in the 2025 Ukraine Recovery Conference, thereby underlining the key role of research and innovation for the recovery of Ukraine as a sustainable economy.
The meeting also stressed the importance of promoting research security and integrity in international collaborations. They also reaffirmed the value of open science and the equitable dissemination of scientific knowledge. They committed to enhancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in science and technology.
A dedicated session of the Ministerial focused on cooperation in research and innovation with Africa, which is a key priority for the European Union
The declaration can be downloaded here: